A truly unique slice of railway history has hit the property market in Devon, offering a home where the sound of arriving trains is part of the daily charm. The former station master's house at Eggesford Station is now up for sale with an asking price of £395,000.
A Home Steeped In Victorian History
This detached, four-bedroom property is no ordinary home. It was originally constructed around 1850 for the London and South Western Railway, with permission from the then landowner, the Earl of Portsmouth. The station itself, built in a distinctive Tudor Gothic Style, opened on 1 August 1854 and is now a Grade II listed building.
Local lore suggests the Earl agreed to the railway crossing his land only if all trains would stop at the station, ensuring his guests had easy access to his country seat. To this day, that tradition continues, with services on the picturesque Tarka Line between Exeter and Barnstaple pulling into Eggesford Station on an hourly basis, right outside the front door.
From Ticket Office To Modern Annexe
The current owners have undertaken extensive improvements, converting the historic building into a comfortable family home while preserving its unique character. The main house features a living room with a wood-burning stove, a wet room, and a kitchen that overlooks the platform. Upstairs, there are three double bedrooms.
One of the most significant conversions is the ground-floor annexe, created from the former ticket office, parcel store, and ladies' waiting room. This self-contained, one-bedroom space offers potential for holiday letting, accommodating a relative, or simply extending the main living area.
Scope For Further Development
The property listing, managed by estate agents Stags, also highlights an additional opportunity. At the northern end of the plot sits a former railway worker's building. This structure is noted as having much scope for further conversion to alternative uses, subject to the necessary planning consents.
This charming Devon property represents a rare chance to own a piece of living history. It combines the appeal of a characterful home with the ever-present reminder of Britain's railway heritage, literally on its doorstep.
